Epilogue

Emerging from the dark, infernal depths,

We stepped into a world of golden light,

Where warmth replaced the cold that stole our breaths.

The icy grip of Hell's oppressive night,

Melted away beneath the sun's embrace,

And with it, fled the shadows of our plight.

We stood upon a sun-drenched island's grace,

The first firm land in what had felt like years,

The air was fresh, the sky a boundless space.

The scent of flowers mingled with the sea's,

The gentle waves that kissed the sandy shore,

A melody to soothe our weary fears.

Virgil, with calm that he so often bore,

Allowed himself a moment's rest and peace,

A rare and quiet joy that he wore.

"We've come so far," he said, his voice at ease,

"It's good to pause, to breathe, to take this in,

To rest in light before the darkness flees."

I nodded, still unsure where to begin,

The vibrant green, the sky so clear and blue,

A stark contrast to where we both had been.

"This place," I said, "it feels too good, too true,

As though a dream, a paradise reborn,

From where just moments past, we barely knew."

And then, as if to banish every thorn,

Fury, our loyal Labrador, sprang free,

His joy a burst of life this sunny morn.

He raced along the shore, a sight to see,

His tail a wagging blur of pure delight,

As seagulls scattered from his bounding spree.

I laughed, his joy contagious in the light,

"He's found his place," I said, my heart aglow,

As Fury splashed and barked with all his might.

Virgil chuckled, soft and low,

"He's wise to live in moments such as these,

From him, we learn what we already know."

I found a rock beside the gentle seas,

And sat, the sun's warmth seeping through my skin,

A comfort I had missed in Hell's decrees.

Virgil, nearby, settled in with a grin,

For a time, we simply breathed the air,

Fury at play, and peace within our kin.

"This place," I said, "reminds us to beware,

That even in the darkest of our hours,

There's still a world of beauty, light, and care."

He nodded, "Yes, it's in these fleeting dowers,

We find the strength to carry on the fight,

To face the darkness with the light that's ours."

The day grew long as shadows chased the light,

But still, we lingered on the island's shore,

Content to rest before we faced the night.

"We'll move ahead," Virgil said once more,

"But let us cherish what this moment brings,

For still, the road is long and holds much more."

I felt a purpose rise on newfound wings,

The trials we had faced now left behind,

With Virgil's strength and Fury's joy, these things,

Would guide us through the path we have to find.

For now, we basked beneath the sun's warm rays,

And let the light bring healing to our mind.

The world could wait—this was our time to stay,

To soak in peace, to watch the gentle sea,

And let the simple pleasures ease our way.